In 2012, Equity Lodge will celebrate its 120th anniversary. The lodge has enjoyed a long and glorious history. As with all organizations, the glory and the hardship of the history of mankind had its impact upon our Lodge. But, we have managed to survive, and become better for the experience. The history of Equity Lodge #591 is still being written.  With over 600 members, stated meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month at the beautiful Masonic Temple, 1 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia.  By upholding the finest traditions of Freemasonry, while continually updating its programs and instructing new members, Equity continues to be a vital art of the Craft in Pennsylvania.

In 1892, as political upheavals faced the emerging American nation with the advent of the Populist party and, the development of the workmen councils, Equity Lodge was founded. A special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was held at Philadelphia, April 21, A.D. 1892 A.L. 5892 in Corinthian Hall. Brother J. Simpson Africa, the then Right Worshipful Master presided over the meeting of 32 warrant members, and Equity Lodge was created. The charter members, formerly of William B. Schneider Lodge No. 419, believed that the cause of freemasonry as well as human dignity would best be served by the creation of a new Lodge committed to Equality, freedom from bias and respect of the law. On that auspicious occasion, present were over 70 different Lodges, representing Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

The Warrant was read, and there was a ceremony of consecration followed by the installation of our first Worshipful Master, Mahlon Bolton, in the presence of Past Masters attending. The members who had retired were re-admitted; when Willard E. Barcus was duly installed as Senior Warden; Benjamin Metzel as Jr. Warden; Charles H. Large, as Treasurer; and William H. Rauch as secretary in ancient form. They served until our annual meeting, when they were re-elected to continue for a full term of office.

Our initial members are honored below:
John Q. Adams - Samuel H. Allen, P.M. - Willard E. Barcus, P.M. - Joel M. Berg - Mahlon Bolton, P.M. - Robert Brotz - John H. Cox - Charles T. Goetz - Elon H. Guyn - George R. Hocker - George L. Hubbard, P.M. - John O. Keim - Charles H. Large (Representative in the Grand Lodge) - Harry Lenhart - Benjamin Metzel, P.M. - Issac Meyer - John Neison - Benjamin B. Osborn, P.M. - Jacob Pfeifer - Charles P. Poole, P.M. - William J. Rau - William H. Rauch - Charles B. J. Root - Noah S. Sheaff - Robert Simons, P.M. - Henry J. Walter - Maurice Walter - J. Alfred Weierbach - Harry Weinmann, P.M. - Max Weinmann - Samuel Weinmann - Joseph A. Wenderoth

We were presented with a “Handsome set of Gavels,” by Shekinah Lodge No. 246, and a pair of perfect Ashlars by Benjamin F. Williams, a member of Solomon Lodge No, 114.

The first meeting was held on April 28, 1892.

The following officers were appointed:

Senior Deacon:
Elon H. Guyn

Junior Deacon:
Jacob Pfeifer

Senior Master of Ceremonies:
Joel M. Berg

Junior Master of Ceremonies:
Harry Weinmann

Pursuivant:
George L. Hubbard

Tyler:
Frank C. Booke

Committee on Charity:

Noah S. Sheaff
John Neilson

John H. Cox
John Quincy Adams

Stewards:

Robert Brotz
Maurice Walter
Charles T. Goetz

Committee on Instruction

Willard E. Barcus
Benjamin Metzel
Samuel H. Allen

Committee to Audit the Books and Records of the Treasurer and Secretary:

Max Weinmann
Samuel H. Allen
Elon H. Guyn

Twelve petitions were presented and read. Visitors included members from the Royal Blue Lodge No. 754 from England, Brethren from India, China and Cuba. During those early days, visitors from other jurisdictions and countries were commonplace.

The minutes of our meeting of June 23, 1892 recorded a presentation of “a handsome Bible,” by Mrs. Benjamin Metzel, wife of one of our Charter members. It was the first Bible we had.